What's happened to my toenails?

[Croc]

Hi there everyone, this is my first posting after spending the ENTIRE day addicted to this site! I've been completely fascinated, amused and impressed at the information I have come accross on this site, so I'm hoping someone can help me.

I am a self employed nail tech / beauty therapist working from home but I have discovered something very alarming on 2 of my own toenails tonight...I removed my nail polish on my toes to re-apply a new colour, and noticed that the nail plate on the 3rd toe on EACH foot has come away from the nail bed. The wierd thing is, both the nails are actually completely split horizontally accross the cuticle area and have lifted here and down the corresponding side wall, but is still attached accross on the other side of the nail. There is no pain or redness.

After giving the matter a lot of thought, my conclusion is that it's probably some kind of trauma that has caused this (due to the splitting and the fact that the damage on each nail is a mirror image of each other.) If it was an infection, surely it would be more likely that the affected toes would be on the same foot.

I have always looked after my toenails, and have never had any problems whatsoever with them until now.

Something worth noting is the fact that I used my partners toenail clippers a week or so ago (out of laziness), and I had some difficulty using them. Could these have caused the cracking on a dry nail which then lead to the lifting? There is no apparent smell or colour change as such, but you can see where the nail plate is no longer attached to the nail bed, and you can literally begin lift the nail up.

I hope I have explained this clearly enough for everybody; I'd really appreciate some advice as I'm so worried and freaked out. My toenails are my pride and joy!

 

[Gina Silvestro]

Could it be a pair of shoes causing pressure on those two nails? I've seen quite a bit of trauma to the nail due to pointy shoes that are the style these days. They may look good but they can do a number on the toes!

 

[naildoctor]

I'm with Gina, it sounds like shoes. I do have a few clients with chronic splitting on toenails,too. Are your toenails drier than usual? I would clip them back as far as you can for now. I've also had good luck with putting acrylic on the backside of a toe tip and holding for 60 seconds until dry(make sure the nail is etched,dehydrated and primed). Hope you're enjoying this site as much as I am. I'M OBSESSED!!!!

 

[Croc]

Hi naildoctor and Gina.

I am so pleased that you have both replied. I think my toenails have probably been drier than usual. Infact, I do remember 'picking' at what seemed a dry, rough area on these nails the last time they were bare. Maybe that started it...

Do you think they will grow back 'normal', as from having a quick peek underneath one, I cannot see a replacement nail yet?

Thank you

 

[Carole.B]

Hi, i lost four toe nails one being a big toe nail last year after walking around derwent waters with the wrong shoes, it was quiet a shock when i lost my big toe nail but luckily all four have grown back nicely even my big toe nail hope yours does the same..xx

 

[Croc]

Hi Carole,

What a relief to hear about your episode! (I'm sorry for you that it happened of course), but it gives me a little hope now. I mainly wear open toe shoes this time of year, but maybe I've been walking funny and causing the damage without realising it or something.

Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it.

Keeley

 

[naildoctor]

Hi Croc,
Most nails always have that replacement coming behind if the "root" of the nail was damaged. But it doesn't sound as though thats your problem. Dr G's is really great for a detatchment problem. Creative makes a product in a green tube(can't recall the name)that works well, too.
Brooke

 

[Croc]

Hi Croc,
Most nails always have that replacement coming behind if the "root" of the nail was damaged. But it doesn't sound as though thats your problem. Dr G's is really great for a detatchment problem. Creative makes a product in a green tube(can't recall the name)that works well, too.
Brooke

Hi Brooke,

Thanks for the advice. I'm just trying my best to protect what's still there at the moment and praying new nails grow quickly!

Keeley

 

[JANEY K]

i agree with gina and naildoc ..i to had a problem with just my little toe on right foot caused by the wrong footwear i caused myself an ingrown toenail ..i had mine removed as it was deep..own fault ...pointy shoes at the time.

 

[Poshfloss]

I Agree too, I would think it is some shoes.
Go for comfortable shoes, square or rounded fronts. open toe shoes wherever possible.
I wear Scholls nearly all the time, I have every colour and style, take a look you will be amazed at the range, most of mine are the heels type, but my toes are in top tip cond, I save my naughty shoes for going out.
Hope they are better soon, keep us posted.
Lotsa luv x :hug:

 

[Croc]

I Agree too, I would think it is some shoes.
Go for comfortable shoes, square or rounded fronts. open toe shoes wherever possible.
I wear Scholls nearly all the time, I have every colour and style, take a look you will be amazed at the range, most of mine are the heels type, but my toes are in top tip cond, I save my naughty shoes for going out.
Hope they are better soon, keep us posted.
Lotsa luv x :hug:

i agree with gina and naildoc ..i to had a problem with just my little toe on right foot caused by the wrong footwear i caused myself an ingrown toenail ..i had mine removed as it was deep..own fault ...pointy shoes at the time.

Thanks to you both for your advice and opinions; I will keep you posted...

xx

 

[addictionails]

But personally I came across this forum thread due to a personal issue and I resolved this nail splitting via a method a friend of mine taught me.
I may state that neither I or she is a professional but this will your split nail not breaking off and strengthen it.

It is called the tea bag method
you get an ordinary tea bag and dispose of its contents use one side of the double sided bag and cut a shape that fits your whole toe nail. Next dab either nail hardener or a top coat on it ( just a drop for it to adhere ) and put it on the damaged nail move it around until it is in the correct space then let it dry once dry apply another coat of clear nail polish on top. The teabag is virtually unnoticed and it acts as a barrier or an adhesive that just makes it all level again. I may warn you it may take a while to dry but once it is you may apply any colour ontop removing it is as easy as nail varnish remover

hope this is of help for future reference

 

[mizzy_dizzy]

But personally I came across this forum thread due to a personal issue and I resolved this nail splitting via a method a friend of mine taught me.
I may state that neither I or she is a professional but this will your split nail not breaking off and strengthen it.

It is called the tea bag method
you get an ordinary tea bag and dispose of its contents use one side of the double sided bag and cut a shape that fits your whole toe nail. Next dab either nail hardener or a top coat on it ( just a drop for it to adhere ) and put it on the damaged nail move it around until it is in the correct space then let it dry once dry apply another coat of clear nail polish on top. The teabag is virtually unnoticed and it acts as a barrier or an adhesive that just makes it all level again. I may warn you it may take a while to dry but once it is you may apply any colour ontop removing it is as easy as nail varnish remover

hope this is of help for future reference

Sorry this is very old school & home DIY , its not at all a professional method i know you said your not a pro but this forum is meant for professionals,

How about going to a professional who will sanitize EVERYTHING and can do a layer of much stronger fiberglass mesh and resin or shellac ,
She might even use the tea bag for it's proper use and make you a cup of tea

 

[geeg]

Hi there down under! Yes, the old tea bag method can help someone who cannot get to a salon, but there are so many better things now that can be used and that will last so much longer; weeks in fact while the damage grows out. We nail technicians should know all the 'tricks'.

They say that even the Egyptians used papyrus paper to mend nails with some sort of glue and knowing the clever Chinese, they were probably doing it before the Egyptians were lol. Women have always wanted to be able to save a broken nail and that hasn't changed in centuries!! Oh vanity thy name is woman!! :green:

Thanks for sharing your new found trick but to a pro there are much much more effective ways these days. Still ... in a pinch the old tea bag could be useful. :hug: